28 comments:

I root for India to get its act together. They're a natural ally and will become even more so over the next century. But their culture sucks in so many ridiculously cartoonish ways sometimes it's hard to be optimistic.

Interesting. Many Indians don't see Ghandi as the guru-for-peace that Americans think he is.

Many American citizens are in favor of criminal sanctions for burning the American flag.

Crazy thinking, isn't it? But there are criminal sanctions for just about everything nowadays. The Tea Party needs to push for cutting spending in law enforcement: fewer felons, fewer prisons, fewer prison guards, a less-powerful prison guard union.

Come to think of it, here's another great idea: Since no one in their right mind wants to live next door to a prison guard (I mean...really), let's make them register and then we'll put the registry online where everyone can see it.

The line Trivedi crossed was one that challenges journalists every day in corrupt countries around the world: You can say that the government performs its mission badly, but you can never say that the government is wrong.

Recently we heard that India cannot dig enough coal to keep its lights on and its power plants running because Coal India, the government-owned mines, are not modernized and imported coal is too expensive to turn turbines when prices are determined by government fiat. 25% of India has no electric power!

This cartoonist incident points to too much government also, but it is far less serious than the failure to provide the most basic utility infrastructure. I do admit, however, that having the man arrested is beyond the pale.

I had a cop as neighbor briefly. I was relieved when he moved even though he moved on to work for the Stasi... er... the Dept of Homeland Security.

I wouldn't even speak to a cop or prosecutor or the agent of any department with police powers of any sort - and which one lacks such powers these days? - if I knew who they were. You can't be too careful is right.

Robert Cook said: Many American citizens are in favor of criminal sanctions for burning the American flag.

True, and they shouldn't be.

But even then, none of them - that I've come across, and I've come across a fair number who'd like to make flag burning illegal - are for criminally punishing someone for drawing a picture of a burning flag, as far as I know.

Or replacing the Eagle with (to take Franklin's suggestion) a turkey, or otherwise "insulting a national symbol" in any way other than actually setting it literally on fire.

So there's that; and it does seem meaningfully different when contrasted with criminalizing satirical artistic creations.

India is in the throes of a mega-corruption scandal having to do with its coal industry and the government's malfeasance. A billion dollar rip off.

As to the "laws against "spreading rumors" these are in re preventing sectarian violence. Tens of thousands of people recently fled in terror from one province just because of rumors. It's a tough balancing act by the government.

Ahhh, Lars. Was scatching my head to try and remember who on the list was better informed than I.

Nice to hear from you.

Yes, after posting I was thinking about it and the rumors thing I associated with sectarian problems. Hindus and Muslims trying to kill each over wandering cows.

It is hard for us in America to envision whole communities freaking out over some random act of stupidity or offense -- real or fabricated -- and across many miles rioting with intent to kill and burn (those scenes from Slumdog Millionaire come to mind) or fleeing from fear of being the targets.

Yes, you are correct -- it is a tough balancing act. But there is a cultural difference where instead of being willing and able to flip someone off (or forgive them), it turns into violence.